[App. an Eng. corruption of Fr. basane: see BASAN.] Sheepskin tanned in bark; distinguished from roan, which is tanned in sumach. Often attrib.
1674. Guidott, Observ. Bath., in Harl. Misc. (Malh.), IV. 130. The water happened to fall upon a Bazil-skin I sometimes use.
1697. Lond. Gaz., No. 3285/4. All Tanners, Bazil Tanners, Curriers.
1755. Johnson, Basil, the skin of a sheep tanned. This is I believe more properly written basen.
1794. W. Felton, Carriages (1801), I. 215. An inferior leather called bazil leather tears almost like paper.
1854. Mayhew, Lond. Labour, III. 419 (Hoppe). Each sleeper has for covering a large basil such as cobblers use for aprons.